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Independent expression of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)
C Linder1, S Linder, E Munck-Wikland
1Radiumhemmets Research Laboratory, Cancer Center Karolinska, Stockholm, Sweden.
Insights
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) show distinct patterns in cancer patients. VEGF may serve as a valuable biomarker for monitoring tumor progression in sarcoma and carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are key regulators of angiogenesis and tumor growth.
- Their roles in various cancers, including sarcoma and carcinomas, warrant further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify serum levels of VEGF and bFGF in patients with different types of cancer.
- To assess the correlation between these growth factors and tumor progression.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 100 patients diagnosed with sarcoma, head and neck carcinoma, oesophageal carcinoma, mesothelioma, and lung carcinoma.
- Quantification of VEGF and bFGF was performed using appropriate assays.
Main Results:
- Serum levels of VEGF and bFGF were generally higher in cancer patients compared to healthy controls.
- VEGF and bFGF levels were often not elevated concurrently, suggesting independent roles.
- Mesothelioma patients exhibited significantly high VEGF levels, but not bFGF.
- VEGF levels correlated with tumor progression in sarcoma and carcinoma patients.
Conclusions:
- Serum VEGF levels increase with tumor progression.
- VEGF may serve as a clinical monitoring marker for sarcoma and carcinoma.
- The distinct patterns of VEGF and bFGF suggest independent contributions to tumor development.
Abstract:
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were quantified in the sera of 100 patients with sarcoma, head and neck carcinoma, oesophageal carcinoma, mesothelioma and lung carcinoma. VEGF and bFGF levels were generally higher in the sera of the tumor patients compared to the sera of healthy control subjects. Interestingly, VEGF and bFGF levels were generally not elevated in the same sera (p < 0.01), and covariation of the VEGF and the bFGF levels was only rarely observed during progressive disease, arguing for actual independence of factors. Very high levels of VEGF (668 pg/ml, n = 12) were observed in patients with mesothelioma, whereas bFGF levels were not increased in these patients. Our data suggest that VEGF levels increase with tumor progression and may be a useful marker for clinical monitoring of sarcoma and carcinoma patients.